In the church-historical science there are some points of view on a problem of a periodization of Russian Church history. The most notable have been formulated by such famous historians of Russian Church as archbishop of Chernigov Philaret Gumilevsky, Moscow metropolitan [[Macarius (Bulgakov) of Moscow|Macarius Bulgakov]], [[Evgeny Golubinsky]] and [[Igor Smolich]].

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In the church-historical science there are some points of view on a problem of a periodization of Russian Church history. The most notable have been formulated by such famous historians of Russian Church as [[archbishop]] of Chernigov Philaret Gumilevsky, Moscow [[metropolitan]] [[Macarius (Bulgakov) of Moscow|Macarius Bulgakov]], [[Evgeny Golubinsky]] and [[Igor Smolich]].

So, archbishop [[Philaret (Gumilevsky)]] in the work «History of the Russian Church» (M, 1850-1851) has allocated five periods in the history of Russian Church:

So, archbishop [[Philaret (Gumilevsky)]] in the work «History of the Russian Church» (M, 1850-1851) has allocated five periods in the history of Russian Church:

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Periodization bases have been developed in detail by metropolitan [[Macarius (Bulgakov)]]. He has distinguished three big periods, and also the special period defined as "introduction in history of Russian Church" -"Christianity history in Russia to equal-to-apostles prince Vladimir". The basic periods were distinguished proceeding from canonical status of the Russian Church: 1) full dependence of the Russian Church on the Constantinople Patriarchate (988-1240); 2) gradual transition of the Russian Church from this dependence to independence (1240-1589); 3) the independence (autocephalous) period (with 1589).

Periodization bases have been developed in detail by metropolitan [[Macarius (Bulgakov)]]. He has distinguished three big periods, and also the special period defined as "introduction in history of Russian Church" -"Christianity history in Russia to equal-to-apostles prince Vladimir". The basic periods were distinguished proceeding from canonical status of the Russian Church: 1) full dependence of the Russian Church on the Constantinople Patriarchate (988-1240); 2) gradual transition of the Russian Church from this dependence to independence (1240-1589); 3) the independence (autocephalous) period (with 1589).

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Subperiods in each of three periods were distinguished already on "internal" to signs, were defined by time of primacy of heads of the Church taking into account reignings and reigns, becouse the church life was defined not only by spiritual and moral authority of hierarches heading Church, but also and by a policy of the state and its secular ruler. In the third period "Russian Church in perod of its autocephaly" metr. Macarius has had time to investigate only the initial stage, to the Council 1666-1667. The History of the Moscow Patriarchate is stated in parallel with history West-russian metropolis.

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Sub-periods in each of three periods were distinguished already on "internal" to signs, were defined by time of primacy of heads of the Church taking into account reignings and reigns, because the church life was defined not only by spiritual and moral authority of hierarchs heading Church, but also and by a policy of the state and its secular ruler. In the third period "Russian Church in period of its [[autocephaly]]" Metr. Macarius has had time to investigate only the initial stage, to the Council 1666-1667. The History of the Moscow Patriarchate is stated in parallel with history West-russian metropolis.

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E. Golubinsky has distinguished three periods in Russian church history: Kievan, Moscow and Petersburg. The invasion of Mongols and the establishment of the Synod (1721) became borders between the periods. Howener it is necessary to note that Golubinsky proved his allocation on the doubtful precondition of absence of true spiritual education in medieval Russia.

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E. Golubinsky has distinguished three periods in Russian church history: Kievan, Moscow and Petersburg. The invasion of Mongols and the establishment of the Synod (1721) became borders between the periods. However, it is necessary to note that Golubinsky proved his allocation on the doubtful precondition of absence of true spiritual education in medieval Russia.

In his opinion, the Kievan and Moscow periods represent actually a single whole characterised by absence of the valid education which we have not acquired with acceptance of Christianity and without which remained to Peter the Great ("''Golubinsky''". Vol. 1, part 1, page XXII). During this period in national religious consciousness "the external more or less prevailed more or less over internal, is conditional-formal ceremonialism - over true belief". However, if during the Kievan period this prevalence still kept measures, during the period Moscow it has gone into extremes». Golubinsky understood the Petersburg period as time of establishing in Russia the present education and more perfect understanding of Christianity.

In his opinion, the Kievan and Moscow periods represent actually a single whole characterised by absence of the valid education which we have not acquired with acceptance of Christianity and without which remained to Peter the Great ("''Golubinsky''". Vol. 1, part 1, page XXII). During this period in national religious consciousness "the external more or less prevailed more or less over internal, is conditional-formal ceremonialism - over true belief". However, if during the Kievan period this prevalence still kept measures, during the period Moscow it has gone into extremes». Golubinsky understood the Petersburg period as time of establishing in Russia the present education and more perfect understanding of Christianity.

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All three models of the periodization have been subjected to criticism by [[Igor Smolich]]. Estimating metr. Philaret's work, Smolich named as "very right" a principle of division on the basis of the historical phenomena which have occurred in Russian church life, however metr. Philaret, according to Smolich, did not try "to connect outside influence on actually church development with church history", did not consider opposition of the Church and the state, constant pressure of the state upon Church; Philaret represented their relations, according to Smolich, in peacefully idyllic tones.

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All three models of the periodization have been subjected to criticism by [[Igor Smolich]]. Estimating Metr. Philaret's work, Smolich named as "very right" a principle of division on the basis of the historical phenomena which have occurred in Russian church life, however Metr. Philaret, according to Smolich, did not try "to connect outside influence on actually church development with church history", did not consider opposition of the Church and the state, constant pressure of the state upon Church; Philaret represented their relations, according to Smolich, in peacefully idyllic tones.

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Estimating the periodization of metr. Macarius Smolich disagreed with the main principle put in its basis, - a jurisdiction principle. According to his opinion, the end of the subordination of Moscow metropolis to [[Church of Constantinople|Constantinople]] has not rendered influence on activity and the right of the church authority, on an internal life of the Church and people, and establishment of the Moscow Patriarchy "cannot be explained from dynamics of the previous period; it was most likely only a consequence of Boris Godunov's ambitious policy". Smolich also criticized the periodization of Golubinsky "by a topographical principle", especially without approving division "on metropolitans" (Golubinsky so built the work since the Moscow period). The "a methodological principle" Smolich has considered that «the unique firm basis for a periodization can be only such facts which really defined destiny of the development of Russian Church's organization and life", and it were its relation with the state. According to this principle two basic historical periods are allocated only: the first - till the end of XIII century and the second - till 1917; their border is transfer of a residence of the Russian metropolitan from Kiev in Vladimir and soon after that to Moscow. Here it is possible to see a likeness to "a topographical" periodization of Golubinsky. Hardly probable it is possible to consider question of Smolich as correctful, what was more important for Church - its relations with the Constantinople or own secular authority, and his unconditional choice in favour of the second.

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Estimating the periodization of Metr. Macarius Smolich disagreed with the main principle put in its basis, - a [[jurisdiction]] principle. According to his opinion, the end of the subordination of Moscow metropolis to [[Church of Constantinople|Constantinople]] has not rendered influence on activity and the right of the church authority, on an internal life of the Church and people, and establishment of the Moscow Patriarchy "cannot be explained from dynamics of the previous period; it was most likely only a consequence of Boris Godunov's ambitious policy". Smolich also criticized the periodization of Golubinsky "by a topographical principle", especially without approving division "on metropolitans" (Golubinsky so built the work since the Moscow period). The "a methodological principle" Smolich has considered that «the unique firm basis for a periodization can be only such facts which really defined destiny of the development of Russian Church's organization and life", and it were its relation with the state. According to this principle two basic historical periods are allocated only: the first - till the end of XIII century and the second - till 1917; their border is transfer of a residence of the Russian metropolitan from Kiev in Vladimir and soon after that to Moscow. Here it is possible to see a likeness to "a topographical" periodization of Golubinsky. Hardly probable it is possible to consider question of Smolich as correctful, what was more important for Church - its relations with the Constantinople or own secular authority, and his unconditional choice in favour of the second.

Historically developed coexistence of these two complexes of relations does not allow to oppose, define them their "subordination", because they were inseparable one from another. The author should feel some amorphy of the periodization and also has entered internal division of the second period, however periods allocated by him and key dates practically do not differ from what were suggested by his predecessors: 1589 - establishment of the Patriarchate (though earlier Smolich subjected value of this date as key to doubt), the beginning of the Synod period (1700). Thus, difference of a periodization of Smolich from constructions of his predecessors consists not so much in allocation of new key events, how many in an estimation of the maintenance and value before the allocated periods.

Historically developed coexistence of these two complexes of relations does not allow to oppose, define them their "subordination", because they were inseparable one from another. The author should feel some amorphy of the periodization and also has entered internal division of the second period, however periods allocated by him and key dates practically do not differ from what were suggested by his predecessors: 1589 - establishment of the Patriarchate (though earlier Smolich subjected value of this date as key to doubt), the beginning of the Synod period (1700). Thus, difference of a periodization of Smolich from constructions of his predecessors consists not so much in allocation of new key events, how many in an estimation of the maintenance and value before the allocated periods.

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Modern division of Russian church history is built basically on a periodization developed by metr. Macarius. The first period is 988-1448: Russian Church under jurisdiction of Constantinople. The second period is 1448-1589: autocephalous Russian metropolis. The third period is 1589 - till XVIII century - Patriarchy. The fourth period is Synodical (beginning of XVIII-1917). The fifth period is 1917-1988: Russian Church during the atheistic state. The sixth period is since 1988 up to now. The events whose paramount value in the history of Church is indisputable are specified as borders of the periods. This is the Moscow Hierarchical Council of 1448, on which St. [[Jonah of Moscow|Jonah]] has been consecrated by the Council of Russian bishops without the Constantinople Patriarch; Moscow Council of 1589 with participation of Patriarch Jeremy II and representatives of the Greek clergy on which the Moscow Patriarchy has been established; establishing of the Synod (1721); Patriarchate restoration on Moscow Council of 1917-1918; public and state celebrating of the millenary of [[Baptism of Rus']], begun a new epoch in a life of the Church (1988) and its revival. It is necessary to notice that offered dates are significant for history of Church not only on the earths Moscow state, but also for history West Russian Metropolis: 1459 is division of common metropolis on Kiev (West Russian) and Moscow, 1596 is date of [[Brest union]], 1686 is the reunion two parts of Rusian Church.

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Modern division of Russian church history is built basically on a periodization developed by Metr. Macarius. The first period is 988-1448: Russian Church under jurisdiction of Constantinople. The second period is 1448-1589: autocephalous Russian metropolis. The third period is 1589 - till XVIII century - Patriarchy. The fourth period is Synodical (beginning of XVIII-1917). The fifth period is 1917-1988: Russian Church during the atheistic state. The sixth period is since 1988 up to now. The events whose paramount value in the history of Church is indisputable are specified as borders of the periods. This is the Moscow Hierarchical Council of 1448, on which St. [[Jonah of Moscow|Jonah]] has been consecrated by the Council of Russian bishops without the Constantinople Patriarch; Moscow Council of 1589 with participation of Patriarch Jeremy II and representatives of the Greek clergy on which the Moscow Patriarchy has been established; establishing of the Synod (1721); Patriarchate restoration on Moscow Council of 1917-1918; public and state celebrating of the millenary of [[Baptism of Rus']], begun a new epoch in a life of the Church (1988) and its revival. It is necessary to notice that offered dates are significant for history of Church not only on the earths Moscow state, but also for history West Russian Metropolis: 1459 is division of common metropolis on Kiev (West Russian) and Moscow, 1596 is date of the [[Union of Brest]], 1686 is the reunion two parts of Russian Church.

Each of the named historical events is end of the long historical process occurring frequently on more extensive geographical space. Besides it is necessary to consider a little conditional character of any periodisation, being guided on exact dates. There are the transition periods lasting sometimes not one decade both combining one lines of preceding and next periods. For example, the beginning of Synodical period is dated sometimes not 1721 (establishment of the Synod), but 1700 (death of last Patriarch Adriana) and etc.

Each of the named historical events is end of the long historical process occurring frequently on more extensive geographical space. Besides it is necessary to consider a little conditional character of any periodisation, being guided on exact dates. There are the transition periods lasting sometimes not one decade both combining one lines of preceding and next periods. For example, the beginning of Synodical period is dated sometimes not 1721 (establishment of the Synod), but 1700 (death of last Patriarch Adriana) and etc.

== The Origin of Christianity in Rus' ==

== The Origin of Christianity in Rus' ==

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* First century [[Apostle Andrew]] First-called visits the future Russian lands, planted a cross on one of the high hills of Kiev

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* First century [[Apostle Andrew]] First-called visits the future Ukrainian lands and planted a cross on one of the high hills of Kiev

* 864 Patriarch Photius sends [[bishop]] to Kiev

* 864 Patriarch Photius sends [[bishop]] to Kiev

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* 954 Princess [[Olga of Kiev|Ol'ga]] of Kiev [[baptism|baptized]].

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* 954 Princess [[Olga of Kiev|Olga]] of Kiev [[baptism|baptized]].

* 983 Protomartyrs [[Theodor and John of Kiev|Theodor and his son John]]

* 983 Protomartyrs [[Theodor and John of Kiev|Theodor and his son John]]

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* 991 † St. [[Michael of Kiev]]

* 991 † St. [[Michael of Kiev]]

* 1015 Murder of passion-bearers [[Boris and Gleb]]

* 1015 Murder of passion-bearers [[Boris and Gleb]]

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* 1051 [[Hilarion of Kiev]] installed to the primatial see; St. [[Anthony of the Caves]] brings [[Athonite]] monasticism to Russia.

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* 1051 [[Hilarion of Kiev]] installed to the primatial see; St. [[Anthony of the Kiev Caves|Anthony of the Caves]] brings [[Mount Athos|Athonite]] monasticism to Russia.

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* 1073 † St. [[Anthony of the Caves]]

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* 1073 † St. [[Anthony of the Kiev Caves|Anthony of the Caves]]

* 1130 [[Nifont of Novgorod]] is made Bishop of Novgorod.

* 1130 [[Nifont of Novgorod]] is made Bishop of Novgorod.

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* 1158 † [[Konstantin I of Kiev]]

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* 1158 † [[Constantine I of Kiev|Konstantin I of Kiev]]

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* 1163 [[John of Novgorod|John]] is made [[Bishop of Novgorod]] and builds seven churches.

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* 1163 [[John of Novgorod and Wonderworker|John]] is made Bishop of [[Novgorod]] and builds seven churches.

* 1245 Martyrdom of right-believing Prince Michael of Chernigov and his boyarin Theodore in Gold Orda

* 1245 Martyrdom of right-believing Prince Michael of Chernigov and his boyarin Theodore in Gold Orda

* 1261 [[Sarai diocese]] (in Gold Orda) was established

* 1261 [[Sarai diocese]] (in Gold Orda) was established

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== Autocephalous Russian Metropolis ==

== Autocephalous Russian Metropolis ==

*1448 Russian Church (Moscow Metropolis) became autocephalous

*1448 Russian Church (Moscow Metropolis) became autocephalous

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*1471 †Metropolitan [[Jonas of Moscow]]

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*1471 †Metropolitan [[Jonah of Moscow|Jonas of Moscow]]

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*1499 The [[Gennadius Bible]] (Gennadievskaia Biblia), the oldest surviving complete collection of Biblical books in the [[Church Slavonic]] language, is completed under the auspices of Abp. Gennady of Novgorod (1484-1504).

*1508 †[[Nilus of Sora]]

*1508 †[[Nilus of Sora]]

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*1515 †[[Joseph of Volokalamsk]]

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*1515 †[[Joseph of Volokolamsk]]

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* 1551 Council of a Hundred Chapters (Stoglav) in Moscow

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* 1551 Council of a Hundred Chapters ([[Stoglavy Sobor]]) in Moscow

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*1555 Kazan Diocese is established

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*1555 [[Diocese of Kazan]] is established

* 1566, July 25 - 1568, November 4 St. Phillip, Metropolitan of Moscow

* 1566, July 25 - 1568, November 4 St. Phillip, Metropolitan of Moscow

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* †1569 St. Phillip was martyred by Tsar Ivan IV (the terrible), January 23

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* †1569 St. Phillip was martyred by Tsar [[Ivan IV of Russia|Ivan IV]] (the terrible), January 23

*1589 [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] acknowledges [[autocephaly]] of [[Church of Russia]] and first Patriarch of Moscow, Metropolitan [[Job of Moscow]] is styled.

*1589 [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] acknowledges [[autocephaly]] of [[Church of Russia]] and first Patriarch of Moscow, Metropolitan [[Job of Moscow]] is styled.

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*1666 Moscow Big Council

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*1666 [[Moscow Sobor of 1666–1667|Moscow Big Council]]

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*1685-87 The [[w:Slavic Greek Latin Academy|Slavic Greek Latin Academy]] is organized as the first higher education establishment in Moscow, under the guidance of two Greek brothers, [[Joannicus and Sophronius Likhud]], on the premises of the [[w:Zaikonospassky monastery|Zaikonospassky Monastery]] with over 70 students.

*1700 [[w:Peter I of Russia|Peter the Great]] published an ''Ukase'' (edict) on [[June 18|June 18th]] that made a resounding appeal for the propagation of the faith in Siberia and China; death of Patr. [[Adrian of Moscow|Adrian]].

*1700 [[w:Peter I of Russia|Peter the Great]] published an ''Ukase'' (edict) on [[June 18|June 18th]] that made a resounding appeal for the propagation of the faith in Siberia and China; death of Patr. [[Adrian of Moscow|Adrian]].

*1702 In response to the [[Ukaz]] of 1700, [[Philothei (Leschinsky)]] of Kiev is chosen as Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia (1702-1711), long since a center of [[missionary]] operations, in order to ''"lead the natives in China and Siberia to the service of the true and living God"''; he built 37 churches and personally accounted for the baptism of 40,000 Siberian tribesmen by 1721.

*1702 In response to the [[Ukaz]] of 1700, [[Philothei (Leschinsky)]] of Kiev is chosen as Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia (1702-1711), long since a center of [[missionary]] operations, in order to ''"lead the natives in China and Siberia to the service of the true and living God"''; he built 37 churches and personally accounted for the baptism of 40,000 Siberian tribesmen by 1721.

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*1712 Tsar Peter the Great issued an ukaz ordering the printed Slavonic text of the Bible to be carefully compared with the Greek of the [[Septuagint]] and to be made in every respect conformable to it; the revision was completed in 1724 and was ordered to be printed, but the death of Peter (1725) prevented the execution of the order.

== The Synodical Church (1720-1917) ==

== The Synodical Church (1720-1917) ==

* 1721 [[Apostolic Governing Synod|Holy and Governing Synod]] has been established

* 1721 [[Apostolic Governing Synod|Holy and Governing Synod]] has been established

* 1764 The decree by Empress Ecaterine II on the secularization of Church lands in Great Russia

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* 1744 Empress Elizabeth issues an ukaz ordering resumption of the work of revision of the Slavonic Bible, started by Peter the Great in 1712.

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* 1771 Decree about establishing orthodox mission for ossetians

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* 1751 The first edition of the Queen "Elizabeth" [[w:Slavic translations of the Bible|Slavonic Bible]] (QEB), ([[Septuagint|LXX]]), was published.

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* 1756 The second edition of the [[Queen Elizabeth Bible|Queen "Elizabeth" Bible]] (QEB) is issued ([[Septuagint|LXX]]); all later reprints of the Russian Church Bible are based upon this second edition, which is the authorized version of the [[Church of Russia|Russian Orthodox Church]].

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* 1764 The decree by Empress Catherine II on the secularization of Church lands in Great Russia

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* 1771 Decree about establishing orthodox mission for Ossetians

* 1773 The decree about toleration

* 1773 The decree about toleration

* 1780 Beginning of christianisation of Chukotka peoples

* 1780 Beginning of christianisation of Chukotka peoples

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* 1800 The beginning of [[Edinoverie]]

* 1800 The beginning of [[Edinoverie]]

* 1807 The Committee for the work out the reforms of the theological education and material maintenance of clergymen is created

* 1807 The Committee for the work out the reforms of the theological education and material maintenance of clergymen is created

* 1913 In a decree on August 27 the Holy Synod declared the Onomatodoxoi/[[w:Imiaslavie|Imiaslavie]] movement a heresy.

* 1915 [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]] falls out of favour with the [[Nicholas II of Russia|tsar]] for disapproving of [[Gregory Efimovich Rasputin|Rasputin]]

* 1915 [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]] falls out of favour with the [[Nicholas II of Russia|tsar]] for disapproving of [[Gregory Efimovich Rasputin|Rasputin]]

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* 1917 [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]] announces [[Tikhon of Moscow|Tikhon]] as Patriarch of Moscow;

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* 1917 [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]] announces [[Tikhon of Moscow|Tikhon]] as Patriarch of Moscow.

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== Russian Orthodox Church during Communist state ==

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== Communist Era (1917-1991)==

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* 1917 [[All-Russian Church Council of 1917-1918|All-Russian Church Council]] elects Metropolitan [[Tikhon of Moscow]] as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

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* 1917 [[All-Russian Church Council of 1917-1918|All-Russian Church Council]] elects Metropolitan [[Tikhon of Moscow]] as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia; [[Belogorsky St. Nicholas Orthodox Missionary Monastery Cathedral (Perm Krai, Russia)|Belogorsky St. Nicholas Orthodox Missionary Monastery Cathedral]] is consecrated as the largest cathedral in the Urals, becoming known as the ''Urals Athos.''

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* 1918 Bolshevik forces vie for control of Kiev damaging many [[church]]es and [[monastery|monasteries]] by cannon fire; The Bolsheviks seize the Kiev Caves Lavra, [[January 23]]; [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]] is murdered, [[January 25]]; The Grand Duchess [[Elizabeth the New Martyr]] <ref>Source: "A LIFELONG PASSION, NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA THEIR OWN STORY"., Andrei Maylunas and Sergi Mironenko., Doubleday, New York., February 1997., pp. 638-639).</ref> is murdered, [[July 17]].

* 1946 In April the [[Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra]], the stronghold of the Russian Orthodox faith and a source of pride and inspiration for the Russian people, was given back to the Russian Patriarchy after a twenty-year-long secular spell.

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* 1952 † [[Matrona of Moscow|Matrona the Wonderworker of Moscow]]

* 1970 † [[Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow]]

* 1970 † [[Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow]]

* 1981 [[Elizabeth the New Martyr|Elizabeth]] glorified by [[ROCOR]].

* 1981 [[Elizabeth the New Martyr|Elizabeth]] glorified by [[ROCOR]].

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* 1990 † [[Pimen I (Izvekov) of Moscow]]

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* 1987 On [[August 19]] Patr. [[Pimen I (Izvekov) of Moscow|Pimen]] of Moscow and All Russia, and Ec. Patr. [[Demetrius I (Papadopoulos) of Constantinople|Demetrios I]] of Constantinople co-celebrated the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the Feast of the [[Transfiguration]] at the [[w:Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius|Holy Trinity St. Sergius Monastery]], for the first time in 398 years (since January 1589).

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*1988 1000th anniversary of Orthodoxy in Russia.

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* 1990 † [[Pimen I (Izvekov) of Moscow]]; murder of Fr. [[Alexander Men]]; first Orthodox service in seventy years held in [[St. Basil's Cathedral (Moscow)|St. Basil's Cathedral]].

* Discrimination of the orthodox in West Ukraine, restoration of so called Greek-Catholic church.

* Discrimination of the orthodox in West Ukraine, restoration of so called Greek-Catholic church.

* Church [[schism]] in Ukraine (formation of so called Kievan Patriarchate, UAOC etc)

* Church [[schism]] in Ukraine (formation of so called Kievan Patriarchate, UAOC etc)

* 1992 [[Church of Russia]] glorifies Grand Duchess [[Elizabeth the New Martyr|Elizabeth]] and [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]];

* 1992 [[Church of Russia]] glorifies Grand Duchess [[Elizabeth the New Martyr|Elizabeth]] and [[Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kiev and Gallich|Vladimir of Kiev]];

* 1993 Martyrdom of [[New Martyrs of Optina Pustyn]].

* 1993 Martyrdom of [[New Martyrs of Optina Pustyn]].

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* 1997 Ritual murder of Siberian Hieromonk Grigory (Gennady Mikhailovich Yakovlev) by a member of the Krishna Consciousness sect, prompting Church authorities in the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia to condemn the rise of cults in Russia.

* 1998 [[Church of Constantinople]], not recognizing Russia's right to issue a [[tomos]] of [[autocephaly]] in 1951, issues its own tomos for the [[Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia]];

* 1998 [[Church of Constantinople]], not recognizing Russia's right to issue a [[tomos]] of [[autocephaly]] in 1951, issues its own tomos for the [[Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia]];

* 2000 [[Church of Russia|Russian Orthodox Church]] announces the [[glorification|canonization]] of Tsar [[Nicholas II of Russia]] and his immediate family; the restored [[Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Moscow)|Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow]] was consecrated on [[August 19]]; Church of Russia glorified Hieromartyr [[Andronik of Perm|Andronik, Archbishop of Perm]], one of Russia's New Martyrs and Confessors; [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/svetosavlje/message/734 ritual murder of Siberian Hieromonk Grigory] (Gennady Mikhailovich Yakovlev) by a member of the Krishna Consciousness sect, prompting Church authorities in the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia to condemn the rise of cults in Russia.

* 2000 [[Church of Russia|Russian Orthodox Church]] announces the [[glorification|canonization]] of Tsar [[Nicholas II of Russia]] and his immediate family; the restored [[Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Moscow)|Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow]] was consecrated on [[August 19]]; Church of Russia glorified Hieromartyr [[Andronik of Perm|Andronik, Archbishop of Perm]], one of Russia's New Martyrs and Confessors; [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/svetosavlje/message/734 ritual murder of Siberian Hieromonk Grigory] (Gennady Mikhailovich Yakovlev) by a member of the Krishna Consciousness sect, prompting Church authorities in the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia to condemn the rise of cults in Russia.

* 2004 Consecration of first Orthodox church in Antarctica by [[Church of Russia]]; [[Theotokos of Tikhvin|Tikhvin Icon]] returned to Tikhvin Dormition Monastery after six decades in the United States; [[Church of Constantinople|Ecumenical Patriarchate]] canonizes Fr. [[Alexis Medvedkov]], Fr. [[Dimitri Klepinine]], Mother [[Maria Skobtsova]], [[George Skobtsov]] and [[Elie Fondaminskii]] of the Russian emigration in France;

* 2004 Consecration of first Orthodox church in Antarctica by [[Church of Russia]]; [[Theotokos of Tikhvin|Tikhvin Icon]] returned to Tikhvin Dormition Monastery after six decades in the United States; [[Church of Constantinople|Ecumenical Patriarchate]] canonizes Fr. [[Alexis Medvedkov]], Fr. [[Dimitri Klepinine]], Mother [[Maria Skobtsova]], [[George Skobtsov]] and [[Elie Fondaminskii]] of the Russian emigration in France;

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* 2006 Publication of first Orthodox prayer book in Chinese and Russian; Pope [[Benedict XVI]] drops ''Patriarch of the West'' title; Russian Orthodox parish opened in Pyongyang, North Korea;

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* 2006 Publication of first Orthodox prayer book in Chinese and Russian; Pope [[Benedict XVI]] drops ''Patriarch of the West'' title; Russian Orthodox [[parish]] opened in Pyongyang, North Korea; death of Elder Archimandrite John Krestiankin of the Pskov-Caves Monastery.

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* 2007 Restoration of [[full communion]] between [[Moscow Patriarchate]] and [[ROCOR]]; Russian delegation walks out of [[Ravenna]] talks in protest of presence of Estonian delegation ([[Church of Constantinople|EP]]);

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* 2007 Restoration of [[full communion]] between [[Moscow Patriarchate]] and [[ROCOR]]; Russian delegation walks out of [[Ravenna]] talks in protest of presence of Estonian delegation ([[Church of Constantinople|EP]]); world's first [http://www.orthodox.cn/news/20071101dictionary_en.htm Russian-Chinese dictionary of Orthodox vocabulary] is printed in Moscow.

* 2009 [[Kyrill I (Gundyayev) of Moscow]] elected as Patriarch of Russia.

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* 2009 [[Kyrill I (Gundyayev) of Moscow]] elected as Patriarch of Russia; Metr. Valentin of Orenburg and Buzuluk consecrated the first-ever Russian Orthodox church in Rome on May 24, the day of St. ''Cyril and Methodius'', being the ''Church of the Great Martyr St. Catherine'', with the blessing of Patr. Kirill; murder of prominent Russian missionary Fr. [[Daniel Sysoyev]], Rector of St. Thomas' Church in Moscow on Kantemirovskaya, who had a talk ministry especially designed for muslim inquirers, had converted a former Wahabi believer, and wrote in his internet diary that he had received telephone threats from muslims; Russian Constitutional Court outlaws death penalty forever.

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* 2010 Official visit of Ecumenical Patriarch [[Bartholomew I (Archontonis) of Constantinople]] to the [[Church of Russia]], concelebrating the [[Divine Liturgy]] with His Beatitude Patriarch [[Kyrill I (Gundyayev) of Moscow]] and All Russia on [[Pentecost]], at the renowned Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad; President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law establishing a new National Holiday on July 28 as Christianization of Rus Day, the country's 9th "memorial holiday," expected to effect closer ties between Russia and its predominantly Orthodox neighbors, Ukraine and Belarus; Abp. [[Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk|Hilarion (Alfeyev)]] [http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6584JX20100609?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt called for an end to the "monopoly of Darwinism"] in Russian schools, saying religious explanations of creation should be taught alongside [[evolution]]; Greek nuns from the Annunciation Monastery in Ormylia, Halkidiki Peninsula, Greece, pray to Father [[Daniel Sysoyev]] as a saint.[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=7769]

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==Further reading==

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==References==

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<references/>

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==Published Works==

* Dimitry Pospielovsky. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=2cP0wc_E6yEC&source=gbs_navlinks_s The Orthodox Church in the History of Russia].'' St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1998. ISBN 9780881411799

* Dimitry Pospielovsky. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=2cP0wc_E6yEC&source=gbs_navlinks_s The Orthodox Church in the History of Russia].'' St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1998. ISBN 9780881411799

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* John Garrand and Carol Garrand. ''[http://books.google.ca/books?id=1ZxqRHfRz-QC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false Russian Orthodoxy Resurgent: Faith and Power in the New Russia].'' Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-691-12573-2

So, archbishop Philaret (Gumilevsky) in the work «History of the Russian Church» (M, 1850-1851) has allocated five periods in the history of Russian Church:

988-237

1238-1409

1410-1588

1589-1720

1720-1825

Events of intrachurch history were borders mainly: division of the one metropolis on two parts (the author considers that a beginning of the division happened, when an attempt to separate West Russian dioceses has been undertaken by the pressure of Lithuanian prince Vitovt), an establishment of the Patriarchate in Moscow, Governing Synod in St.-Petersburg; however external factors of vital importance - mongol invasion of 1237 and further yoke over Russia were considered also.

Periodization bases have been developed in detail by metropolitan Macarius (Bulgakov). He has distinguished three big periods, and also the special period defined as "introduction in history of Russian Church" -"Christianity history in Russia to equal-to-apostles prince Vladimir". The basic periods were distinguished proceeding from canonical status of the Russian Church: 1) full dependence of the Russian Church on the Constantinople Patriarchate (988-1240); 2) gradual transition of the Russian Church from this dependence to independence (1240-1589); 3) the independence (autocephalous) period (with 1589).

Sub-periods in each of three periods were distinguished already on "internal" to signs, were defined by time of primacy of heads of the Church taking into account reignings and reigns, because the church life was defined not only by spiritual and moral authority of hierarchs heading Church, but also and by a policy of the state and its secular ruler. In the third period "Russian Church in period of its autocephaly" Metr. Macarius has had time to investigate only the initial stage, to the Council 1666-1667. The History of the Moscow Patriarchate is stated in parallel with history West-russian metropolis.

E. Golubinsky has distinguished three periods in Russian church history: Kievan, Moscow and Petersburg. The invasion of Mongols and the establishment of the Synod (1721) became borders between the periods. However, it is necessary to note that Golubinsky proved his allocation on the doubtful precondition of absence of true spiritual education in medieval Russia.
In his opinion, the Kievan and Moscow periods represent actually a single whole characterised by absence of the valid education which we have not acquired with acceptance of Christianity and without which remained to Peter the Great ("Golubinsky". Vol. 1, part 1, page XXII). During this period in national religious consciousness "the external more or less prevailed more or less over internal, is conditional-formal ceremonialism - over true belief". However, if during the Kievan period this prevalence still kept measures, during the period Moscow it has gone into extremes». Golubinsky understood the Petersburg period as time of establishing in Russia the present education and more perfect understanding of Christianity.

All three models of the periodization have been subjected to criticism by Igor Smolich. Estimating Metr. Philaret's work, Smolich named as "very right" a principle of division on the basis of the historical phenomena which have occurred in Russian church life, however Metr. Philaret, according to Smolich, did not try "to connect outside influence on actually church development with church history", did not consider opposition of the Church and the state, constant pressure of the state upon Church; Philaret represented their relations, according to Smolich, in peacefully idyllic tones.

Estimating the periodization of Metr. Macarius Smolich disagreed with the main principle put in its basis, - a jurisdiction principle. According to his opinion, the end of the subordination of Moscow metropolis to Constantinople has not rendered influence on activity and the right of the church authority, on an internal life of the Church and people, and establishment of the Moscow Patriarchy "cannot be explained from dynamics of the previous period; it was most likely only a consequence of Boris Godunov's ambitious policy". Smolich also criticized the periodization of Golubinsky "by a topographical principle", especially without approving division "on metropolitans" (Golubinsky so built the work since the Moscow period). The "a methodological principle" Smolich has considered that «the unique firm basis for a periodization can be only such facts which really defined destiny of the development of Russian Church's organization and life", and it were its relation with the state. According to this principle two basic historical periods are allocated only: the first - till the end of XIII century and the second - till 1917; their border is transfer of a residence of the Russian metropolitan from Kiev in Vladimir and soon after that to Moscow. Here it is possible to see a likeness to "a topographical" periodization of Golubinsky. Hardly probable it is possible to consider question of Smolich as correctful, what was more important for Church - its relations with the Constantinople or own secular authority, and his unconditional choice in favour of the second.

Historically developed coexistence of these two complexes of relations does not allow to oppose, define them their "subordination", because they were inseparable one from another. The author should feel some amorphy of the periodization and also has entered internal division of the second period, however periods allocated by him and key dates practically do not differ from what were suggested by his predecessors: 1589 - establishment of the Patriarchate (though earlier Smolich subjected value of this date as key to doubt), the beginning of the Synod period (1700). Thus, difference of a periodization of Smolich from constructions of his predecessors consists not so much in allocation of new key events, how many in an estimation of the maintenance and value before the allocated periods.

Modern division of Russian church history is built basically on a periodization developed by Metr. Macarius. The first period is 988-1448: Russian Church under jurisdiction of Constantinople. The second period is 1448-1589: autocephalous Russian metropolis. The third period is 1589 - till XVIII century - Patriarchy. The fourth period is Synodical (beginning of XVIII-1917). The fifth period is 1917-1988: Russian Church during the atheistic state. The sixth period is since 1988 up to now. The events whose paramount value in the history of Church is indisputable are specified as borders of the periods. This is the Moscow Hierarchical Council of 1448, on which St. Jonah has been consecrated by the Council of Russian bishops without the Constantinople Patriarch; Moscow Council of 1589 with participation of Patriarch Jeremy II and representatives of the Greek clergy on which the Moscow Patriarchy has been established; establishing of the Synod (1721); Patriarchate restoration on Moscow Council of 1917-1918; public and state celebrating of the millenary of Baptism of Rus', begun a new epoch in a life of the Church (1988) and its revival. It is necessary to notice that offered dates are significant for history of Church not only on the earths Moscow state, but also for history West Russian Metropolis: 1459 is division of common metropolis on Kiev (West Russian) and Moscow, 1596 is date of the Union of Brest, 1686 is the reunion two parts of Russian Church.

Each of the named historical events is end of the long historical process occurring frequently on more extensive geographical space. Besides it is necessary to consider a little conditional character of any periodisation, being guided on exact dates. There are the transition periods lasting sometimes not one decade both combining one lines of preceding and next periods. For example, the beginning of Synodical period is dated sometimes not 1721 (establishment of the Synod), but 1700 (death of last Patriarch Adriana) and etc.

The Origin of Christianity in Rus'

First century Apostle Andrew First-called visits the future Ukrainian lands and planted a cross on one of the high hills of Kiev

Autocephalous Russian Metropolis

1499 The Gennadius Bible (Gennadievskaia Biblia), the oldest surviving complete collection of Biblical books in the Church Slavonic language, is completed under the auspices of Abp. Gennady of Novgorod (1484-1504).

1702 In response to the Ukaz of 1700, Philothei (Leschinsky) of Kiev is chosen as Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia (1702-1711), long since a center of missionary operations, in order to "lead the natives in China and Siberia to the service of the true and living God"; he built 37 churches and personally accounted for the baptism of 40,000 Siberian tribesmen by 1721.

1712 Tsar Peter the Great issued an ukaz ordering the printed Slavonic text of the Bible to be carefully compared with the Greek of the Septuagint and to be made in every respect conformable to it; the revision was completed in 1724 and was ordered to be printed, but the death of Peter (1725) prevented the execution of the order.

1946 In April the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, the stronghold of the Russian Orthodox faith and a source of pride and inspiration for the Russian people, was given back to the Russian Patriarchy after a twenty-year-long secular spell.

2006 Publication of first Orthodox prayer book in Chinese and Russian; Pope Benedict XVI drops Patriarch of the West title; Russian Orthodox parish opened in Pyongyang, North Korea; death of Elder Archimandrite John Krestiankin of the Pskov-Caves Monastery.

2009 Kyrill I (Gundyayev) of Moscow elected as Patriarch of Russia; Metr. Valentin of Orenburg and Buzuluk consecrated the first-ever Russian Orthodox church in Rome on May 24, the day of St. Cyril and Methodius, being the Church of the Great Martyr St. Catherine, with the blessing of Patr. Kirill; murder of prominent Russian missionary Fr. Daniel Sysoyev, Rector of St. Thomas' Church in Moscow on Kantemirovskaya, who had a talk ministry especially designed for muslim inquirers, had converted a former Wahabi believer, and wrote in his internet diary that he had received telephone threats from muslims; Russian Constitutional Court outlaws death penalty forever.